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Strong MJ, McLellan C, Kaplanis B, Droppelmann CA, Junop M. Phase Separation of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein with TDP-43 Is Dependent on C-Terminus Domains. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8779. [PMID: 39201466 PMCID: PMC11354357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is critical in viral replication by undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation to seed the formation of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex to drive viral genomic RNA (gRNA) translation and in suppressing both stress granules and processing bodies, which is postulated to increase uncoated gRNA availability. The N protein can also form biomolecular condensates with a broad range of host endogenous proteins including RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Amongst these RBPs are proteins that are associated with pathological, neuronal, and glial cytoplasmic inclusions across several adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders, including TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) which forms pathological inclusions in over 95% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. In this study, we demonstrate that the N protein can form biomolecular condensates with TDP-43 and that this is dependent on the N protein C-terminus domain (N-CTD) and the intrinsically disordered C-terminus domain of TDP-43. This process is markedly accelerated in the presence of RNA. In silico modeling suggests that the biomolecular condensate that forms in the presence of RNA is composed of an N protein quadriplex in which the intrinsically disordered TDP-43 C terminus domain is incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.M.); (C.A.D.)
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Crystal McLellan
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.M.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Brianna Kaplanis
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (B.K.); (M.J.)
| | - Cristian A. Droppelmann
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (C.M.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Murray Junop
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (B.K.); (M.J.)
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Lopes M, Louzada S, Gama-Carvalho M, Chaves R. Pericentromeric satellite RNAs as flexible protein partners in the regulation of nuclear structure. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1868. [PMID: 38973000 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Pericentromeric heterochromatin is mainly composed of satellite DNA sequences. Although being historically associated with transcriptional repression, some pericentromeric satellite DNA sequences are transcribed. The transcription events of pericentromeric satellite sequences occur in highly flexible biological contexts. Hence, the apparent randomness of pericentromeric satellite transcription incites the discussion about the attribution of biological functions. However, pericentromeric satellite RNAs have clear roles in the organization of nuclear structure. Silencing pericentromeric heterochromatin depends on pericentromeric satellite RNAs, that, in a feedback mechanism, contribute to the repression of pericentromeric heterochromatin. Moreover, pericentromeric satellite RNAs can also act as scaffolding molecules in condensate subnuclear structures (e.g., nuclear stress bodies). Since the formation/dissociation of nuclear condensates provides cell adaptability, pericentromeric satellite RNAs can be an epigenetic platform for regulating (sub)nuclear structure. We review current knowledge about pericentromeric satellite RNAs that, irrespective of the meaning of biological function, should be functionally addressed in regular and disease settings. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lopes
- CytoGenomics Lab-Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- BioISI: Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra Louzada
- CytoGenomics Lab-Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- BioISI: Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Gama-Carvalho
- BioISI: Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Chaves
- CytoGenomics Lab-Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- BioISI: Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- RISE-Health: Health Research Network, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CACTMAD: Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro Academic Clinic Center,University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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3
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Fan S, Zhang Y, Zhu S, Shen L. Plant RNA-binding proteins: Phase separation dynamics and functional mechanisms underlying plant development and stress responses. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:531-551. [PMID: 38419328 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) accompany RNA from synthesis to decay, mediating every aspect of RNA metabolism and impacting diverse cellular and developmental processes in eukaryotes. Many RBPs undergo phase separation along with their bound RNA to form and function in dynamic membraneless biomolecular condensates for spatiotemporal coordination or regulation of RNA metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests that phase-separating RBPs with RNA-binding domains and intrinsically disordered regions play important roles in plant development and stress adaptation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about how dynamic partitioning of RBPs into condensates controls plant development and enables sensing of experimental changes to confer growth plasticity under stress conditions, with a focus on the dynamics and functional mechanisms of RBP-rich nuclear condensates and cytoplasmic granules in mediating RNA metabolism. We also discuss roles of multiple factors, such as environmental signals, protein modifications, and N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation, in modulating the phase separation behaviors of RBPs, and highlight the prospects and challenges for future research on phase-separating RBPs in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Fan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Yu Zhang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Shaobo Zhu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | - Lisha Shen
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, 1 Research Link, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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4
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Breunig K, Lei X, Montalbano M, Guardia GDA, Ostadrahimi S, Alers V, Kosti A, Chiou J, Klein N, Vinarov C, Wang L, Li M, Song W, Kraus WL, Libich DS, Tiziani S, Weintraub ST, Galante PAF, Penalva LOF. SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and is present in PARylation-dependent protein complexes regulating splicing, cell division, and ribosome biogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586270. [PMID: 38585848 PMCID: PMC10996453 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are present in diverse molecular complexes where they function as dynamic regulators. Their characteristics promote liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles such as stress granules and nucleoli. IDR-RBPs are particularly relevant in the nervous system and their dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor development. SERBP1 is a unique member of this group, being mostly disordered and lacking canonical RNA-binding domains. Using a proteomics approach followed by functional analysis, we defined SERBP1's interactome. We uncovered novel SERBP1 roles in splicing, cell division, and ribosomal biogenesis and showed its participation in pathological stress granules and Tau aggregates in Alzheimer's disease brains. SERBP1 preferentially interacts with other G-quadruplex (G4) binders, implicated in different stages of gene expression, suggesting that G4 binding is a critical component of SERBP1 function in different settings. Similarly, we identified important associations between SERBP1 and PARP1/polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation). SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and its associated factors and influences PARylation. Moreover, protein complexes in which SERBP1 participates contain mostly PARylated proteins and PAR binders. Based on these results, we propose a feedback regulatory model in which SERBP1 influences PARP1 function and PARylation, while PARylation modulates SERBP1 functions and participation in regulatory complexes.
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Liu Q, Liu W, Niu Y, Wang T, Dong J. Liquid-liquid phase separation in plants: Advances and perspectives from model species to crops. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100663. [PMID: 37496271 PMCID: PMC10811348 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless biomolecular condensates play important roles in both normal biological activities and responses to environmental stimuli in living organisms. Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an organizational mechanism that has emerged in recent years to explain the formation of biomolecular condensates. In the past decade, advances in LLPS research have contributed to breakthroughs in disease fields. By contrast, although LLPS research in plants has progressed over the past 5 years, it has been concentrated on the model plant Arabidopsis, which has limited relevance to agricultural production. In this review, we provide an overview of recently reported advances in LLPS in plants, with a particular focus on photomorphogenesis, flowering, and abiotic and biotic stress responses. We propose that many potential LLPS proteins also exist in crops and may affect crop growth, development, and stress resistance. This possibility presents a great challenge as well as an opportunity for rigorous scientific research on the biological functions and applications of LLPS in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Liu
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Wenxuan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yiding Niu
- Key Laboratory of Forage and Endemic Crop Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiangli Dong
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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6
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Sołtys K, Tarczewska A, Bystranowska D. Modulation of biomolecular phase behavior by metal ions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119567. [PMID: 37582439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) appears to be a newly appreciated aspect of the cellular organization of biomolecules that leads to the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs). MLOs generate distinct microenvironments where particular biomolecules are highly concentrated compared to those in the surrounding environment. Their thermodynamically driven formation is reversible, and their liquid nature allows them to fuse with each other. Dysfunctional biomolecular condensation is associated with human diseases. Pathological states of MLOs may originate from the mutation of proteins or may be induced by other factors. In most aberrant MLOs, transient interactions are replaced by stronger and more rigid interactions, preventing their dissolution, and causing their uncontrolled growth and dysfunction. For these reasons, there is great interest in identifying factors that modulate LLPS. In this review, we discuss an enigmatic and mostly unexplored aspect of this process, namely, the regulatory effects of metal ions on the phase behavior of biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sołtys
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aneta Tarczewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominika Bystranowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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7
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Kang H, Xu T. N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation modulates liquid‒liquid phase separation in plants. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3205-3213. [PMID: 37032432 PMCID: PMC10473200 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless biomolecular condensates form distinct subcellular compartments that enable a cell to orchestrate numerous biochemical reactions in a spatiotemporal-specific and dynamic manner. Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) facilitates the formation of membraneless biomolecular condensates, which are crucial for many cellular processes in plants, including embryogenesis, the floral transition, photosynthesis, pathogen defense, and stress responses. The main component required for LLPS is a protein harboring key characteristic features, such as intrinsically disordered regions, low-complexity sequence domains, and prion-like domains. RNA is an additional component involved in LLPS. Increasing evidence indicates that modifications in proteins and RNAs play pivotal roles in LLPS. In particular, recent studies have indicated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of messenger RNA is crucial for LLPS in plants and animals. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in the role of mRNA methylation in LLPS in plant cells. Moreover, we highlight the major challenges in understanding the pivotal roles of RNA modifications and elucidating how m6A marks are interpreted by RNA-binding proteins crucial for LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunseung Kang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Tao Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu Joint International Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
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8
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Zeng C, Chujo T, Hirose T, Hamada M. Landscape of semi-extractable RNAs across five human cell lines. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7820-7831. [PMID: 37463833 PMCID: PMC10450185 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Phase-separated membraneless organelles often contain RNAs that exhibit unusual semi-extractability using the conventional RNA extraction method, and can be efficiently retrieved by needle shearing or heating during RNA extraction. Semi-extractable RNAs are promising resources for understanding RNA-centric phase separation. However, limited assessments have been performed to systematically identify and characterize semi-extractable RNAs. In this study, 1074 semi-extractable RNAs, including ASAP1, DANT2, EXT1, FTX, IGF1R, LIMS1, NEAT1, PHF21A, PVT1, SCMH1, STRG.3024.1, TBL1X, TCF7L2, TVP23C-CDRT4, UBE2E2, ZCCHC7, ZFAND3 and ZSWIM6, which exhibited consistent semi-extractability were identified across five human cell lines. By integrating publicly available datasets, we found that semi-extractable RNAs tend to be distributed in the nuclear compartments but are dissociated from the chromatin. Long and repeat-containing semi-extractable RNAs act as hubs to provide global RNA-RNA interactions. Semi-extractable RNAs were divided into four groups based on their k-mer content. The NEAT1 group preferred to interact with paraspeckle proteins, such as FUS and NONO, implying that RNAs in this group are potential candidates of architectural RNAs that constitute nuclear bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zeng
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo 1698555, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chujo
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8608556, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Hirose
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Michiaki Hamada
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo 1698555, Japan
- AIST-Waseda University Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo 1698555, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 1138602, Japan
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Hurtle BT, Xie L, Donnelly CJ. Disrupting pathologic phase transitions in neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168549. [PMID: 37395272 DOI: 10.1172/jci168549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid-like protein deposits found in aged and diseased human brains have revealed a relationship between insoluble protein accumulations and the resulting deficits in neurologic function. Clinically diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibit unique and disease-specific biochemical protein signatures and abnormal protein depositions that often correlate with disease pathogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that many pathologic proteins assemble into liquid-like protein phases through the highly coordinated process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Over the last decade, biomolecular phase transitions have emerged as a fundamental mechanism of cellular organization. Liquid-like condensates organize functionally related biomolecules within the cell, and many neuropathology-associated proteins reside within these dynamic structures. Thus, examining biomolecular phase transitions enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating toxicity across diverse neurodegenerative diseases. This Review explores the known mechanisms contributing to aberrant protein phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies and outlining potential therapeutic strategies to regulate these pathologic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T Hurtle
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longxin Xie
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Yang S, Shen W, Hu J, Cai S, Zhang C, Jin S, Guan X, Wu J, Wu Y, Cui J. Molecular mechanisms and cellular functions of liquid-liquid phase separation during antiviral immune responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162211. [PMID: 37251408 PMCID: PMC10210139 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal separation of cellular components is vital to ensure biochemical processes. Membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and nuclei play a major role in isolating intracellular components, while membraneless organelles (MLOs) are accumulatively uncovered via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to mediate cellular spatiotemporal organization. MLOs orchestrate various key cellular processes, including protein localization, supramolecular assembly, gene expression, and signal transduction. During viral infection, LLPS not only participates in viral replication but also contributes to host antiviral immune responses. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the roles of LLPS in virus infection may open up new avenues for treating viral infectious diseases. In this review, we focus on the antiviral defense mechanisms of LLPS in innate immunity and discuss the involvement of LLPS during viral replication and immune evasion escape, as well as the strategy of targeting LLPS to treat viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weishan Shen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Cai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenqiu Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouheng Jin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Guan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoxing Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Fefilova AS, Antifeeva IA, Gavrilova AA, Turoverov KK, Kuznetsova IM, Fonin AV. Reorganization of Cell Compartmentalization Induced by Stress. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1441. [PMID: 36291650 PMCID: PMC9599104 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that do not have an ordered structure and nevertheless perform essential functions has opened a new era in the understanding of cellular compartmentalization. It threw the bridge from the mostly mechanistic model of the organization of the living matter to the idea of highly dynamic and functional "soft matter". This paradigm is based on the notion of the major role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biopolymers in the spatial-temporal organization of intracellular space. The LLPS leads to the formation of self-assembled membrane-less organelles (MLOs). MLOs are multicomponent and multifunctional biological condensates, highly dynamic in structure and composition, that allow them to fine-tune the regulation of various intracellular processes. IDPs play a central role in the assembly and functioning of MLOs. The LLPS importance for the regulation of chemical reactions inside the cell is clearly illustrated by the reorganization of the intracellular space during stress response. As a reaction to various types of stresses, stress-induced MLOs appear in the cell, enabling the preservation of the genetic and protein material during unfavourable conditions. In addition, stress causes structural, functional, and compositional changes in the MLOs permanently present inside the cells. In this review, we describe the assembly of stress-induced MLOs and the stress-induced modification of existing MLOs in eukaryotes, yeasts, and prokaryotes in response to various stress factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Konstantin K. Turoverov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of RAS, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Somasundaram K, Gupta B, Jain N, Jana S. LncRNAs divide and rule: The master regulators of phase separation. Front Genet 2022; 13:930792. [PMID: 36035193 PMCID: PMC9399341 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.930792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the human genome, except for a small region that transcribes protein-coding RNAs, was considered junk. With the advent of RNA sequencing technology, we know that much of the genome codes for RNAs with no protein-coding potential. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that form a significant proportion are dynamically expressed and play diverse roles in physiological and pathological processes. Precise spatiotemporal control of their expression is essential to carry out various biochemical reactions inside the cell. Intracellular organelles with membrane-bound compartments are known for creating an independent internal environment for carrying out specific functions. The formation of membrane-free ribonucleoprotein condensates resulting in intracellular compartments is documented in recent times to execute specialized tasks such as DNA replication and repair, chromatin remodeling, transcription, and mRNA splicing. These liquid compartments, called membrane-less organelles (MLOs), are formed by liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), selectively partitioning a specific set of macromolecules from others. While RNA binding proteins (RBPs) with low complexity regions (LCRs) appear to play an essential role in this process, the role of RNAs is not well-understood. It appears that short nonspecific RNAs keep the RBPs in a soluble state, while longer RNAs with unique secondary structures promote LLPS formation by specifically binding to RBPs. This review will update the current understanding of phase separation, physio-chemical nature and composition of condensates, regulation of phase separation, the role of lncRNA in the phase separation process, and the relevance to cancer development and progression.
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Liu J, Zhorabek F, Zhang T, Lam JWY, Tang BZ, Chau Y. Multifaceted Cargo Recruitment and Release from Artificial Membraneless Organelles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201721. [PMID: 35596607 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) drives membraneless organelles (MLOs) formation for organizing biomolecules. Artificial MLOs (AMLOs) have been constructed mostly via the LLPS of engineered proteins capable of regulating limited types of biomolecules. Here, leveraging a minimalist AMLO, driven by LLPS of polymer-oligopeptide hybrids, enrichment, recruitment, and release of multifaceted cargoes are quantitatively shown, including small fluorescent molecules, fluorophore-containing macromolecules, proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. Cargoes show up to 105 -fold enrichment, whilst recruitment and release are triggered by variations of temperature, pH, and/or ionic strength. Also, the first efficacious, rapid, and reversible control of aggregation-induced emission with over 30 folds of modulation of overall fluorescence intensity is achieved, by intensifying the aggregation of luminogens in AMLO. The AMLO is a simple yet versatile platform for potential drug delivery and biosensor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Fariza Zhorabek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Tianfu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Functional Aggregate Materials, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, 518172, P. R. China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
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14
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Liu J, Zhorabek F, Chau Y. Nucleic Acids Modulate Liquidity and Dynamics of Artificial Membraneless Organelles. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:562-567. [PMID: 35575335 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) emerges as a fundamental underlying mechanism for the biological organization, especially the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs) hosting intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) as scaffolds. Nucleic acids are compositional biomacromolecules of MLOs with wide implications in normal cell functions as well as in pathophysiology caused by aberrant phase behavior. Exploiting a minimalist artificial membraneless organelles (AMLO) from LLPS of IDP-mimicking polymer-oligopeptide hybrid (IPH), we investigated the effect of nucleic acids with different lengths and sequence variations on AMLO. The behavior of this AMLO in the presence of DNAs and RNAs resembled natural MLOs in multiple aspects, namely, modulated propensity of formation, morphology, liquidity, and dynamics. Both DNA and RNA could enhance the LLPS of AMLO, while compared with RNA, DNA had a higher tendency to solidify and diminish dynamics thereof. These findings suggest its potential as a concise model system for the understanding of the interaction between nucleic acids and natural MLOs and for studying the molecular mechanism of diseases involving MLOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Fariza Zhorabek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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15
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Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, protein and RNA factors involved in genome activities like transcription, RNA processing, DNA replication, and repair accumulate in self-organizing membraneless chromatin subcompartments. These structures contribute to efficiently conduct chromatin-mediated reactions and to establish specific cellular programs. However, the underlying mechanisms for their formation are only partly understood. Recent studies invoke liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and RNAs in the establishment of chromatin activity patterns. At the same time, the folding of chromatin in the nucleus can drive genome partitioning into spatially distinct domains. Here, the interplay between chromatin organization, chromatin binding, and LLPS is discussed by comparing and contrasting three prototypical chromatin subcompartments: the nucleolus, clusters of active RNA polymerase II, and pericentric heterochromatin domains. It is discussed how the different ways of chromatin compartmentalization are linked to transcription regulation, the targeting of soluble factors to certain parts of the genome, and to disease-causing genetic aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Rippe
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Su Y, Maimaitiyiming Y, Wang L, Cheng X, Hsu CH. Modulation of Phase Separation by RNA: A Glimpse on N 6-Methyladenosine Modification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:786454. [PMID: 34957114 PMCID: PMC8703171 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.786454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase separation is the driving force behind formation of various biomolecular condensates (BioMCs), which sub-compartmentalize certain cellular components in a membraneless manner to orchestrate numerous biological processes. Many BioMCs are composed of proteins and RNAs. While the features and functions of proteins are well studied, less attention was paid to the other essential component RNAs. Here, we describe how RNA contributes to the biogenesis, dissolution, and properties of BioMCs as a multivalence providing scaffold for proteins/RNA to undergo phase separation. Specifically, we focus on N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most widely distributed dynamic post-transcriptional modification, which would change the charge, conformation, and RNA-binding protein (RBP) anchoring of modified RNA. m6A RNA-modulated phase separation is a new perspective to illustrate m6A-mediated various biological processes. We summarize m6A main functions as “beacon” to recruit reader proteins and “structural switcher” to alter RNA–protein and RNA–RNA interactions to modulate phase separation and regulate the related biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Su
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yasen Maimaitiyiming
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingfang Wang
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Wee WA, Sugiyama H, Park S. Photoswitchable single-stranded DNA-peptide coacervate formation as a dynamic system for reaction control. iScience 2021; 24:103455. [PMID: 34877509 PMCID: PMC8633985 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In cells, segregation allows for diverse biochemical reactions to take place simultaneously. Such intricate regulation of cellular processes is achieved through the dynamic formation and disassembly of membraneless organelles via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Herein, we demonstrate the light-controlled formation and disassembly of liquid droplets formed from a complex of polylysine (pLys) and arylazopyrazole (AAP)-conjugated single-stranded DNA. Photoswitchablility of droplet formation was also shown to be applicable to the control of chemical reactions; imine formation and a DNAzyme-catalyzed oxidation reaction were accelerated in the presence of droplets. These outcomes were reversed upon droplet disassembly. Our results demonstrate that the photoswitchable droplet formation system is a versatile model for the regulation of reactions through dynamic LLPS. Incorporating AAP enabled light-controlled droplet formation with ssDNA and pLys Droplets were reversibly formed or disassembled without altering sample composition Photoswitchability depended on sequence and ionic interactions but not flexibility Photoswitchable droplet formation accelerated uncatalyzed and catalyzed reactions
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ann Wee
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Soyoung Park
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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18
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Lin Y, Fang X. Phase separation in RNA biology. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:872-880. [PMID: 34371110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The formation of biomolecular condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an advantageous strategy for cells to organize subcellular compartments for diverse functions. The involvement of LLPS is more widespread and overrepresented in RNA-related biological processes. This is in part because that RNAs are intrinsically multivalent macromolecules, and the presence of RNAs affects the formation, dissolution, and biophysical properties of biomolecular condensates formed by LLPS. Emerging studies have illustrated how LLPS participates in RNA transcription, splicing, processing, quality control, translation, and function. The interconnected regulation between LLPS and RNAs ensures tight control of RNA-related cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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19
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Brown SL, Garrison DJ, May JP. Phase separation of a plant virus movement protein and cellular factors support virus-host interactions. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009622. [PMID: 34543360 PMCID: PMC8483311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Both cellular and viral proteins can undergo phase separation and form membraneless compartments that concentrate biomolecules. The p26 movement protein from single-stranded, positive-sense Pea enation mosaic virus 2 (PEMV2) separates into a dense phase in nucleoli where p26 and related orthologues must interact with fibrillarin (Fib2) as a pre-requisite for systemic virus movement. Using in vitro assays, viral ribonucleoprotein complexes containing p26, Fib2, and PEMV2 genomic RNAs formed droplets that may provide the basis for self-assembly in planta. Mutating basic p26 residues (R/K-G) blocked droplet formation and partitioning into Fib2 droplets or the nucleolus and prevented systemic movement of a Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) vector in Nicotiana benthamiana. Mutating acidic residues (D/E-G) reduced droplet formation in vitro, increased nucleolar retention 6.5-fold, and prevented systemic movement of TMV, thus demonstrating that p26 requires electrostatic interactions for droplet formation and charged residues are critical for nucleolar trafficking and virus movement. p26 readily partitioned into stress granules (SGs), which are membraneless compartments that assemble by clustering of the RNA binding protein G3BP following stress. G3BP is upregulated during PEMV2 infection and over-expression of G3BP restricted PEMV2 RNA accumulation >20-fold. Deletion of the NTF2 domain that is required for G3BP condensation restored PEMV2 RNA accumulation >4-fold, demonstrating that phase separation enhances G3BP antiviral activity. These results indicate that p26 partitions into membraneless compartments with either proviral (Fib2) or antiviral (G3BP) factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L. Brown
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Dana J. Garrison
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jared P. May
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
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20
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21
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Velázquez-Cruz A, Baños-Jaime B, Díaz-Quintana A, De la Rosa MA, Díaz-Moreno I. Post-translational Control of RNA-Binding Proteins and Disease-Related Dysregulation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:658852. [PMID: 33987205 PMCID: PMC8111222 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.658852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling mechanisms modulate gene expression in response to internal and external stimuli. Cellular adaptation requires a precise and coordinated regulation of the transcription and translation processes. The post-transcriptional control of mRNA metabolism is mediated by the so-called RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which assemble with specific transcripts forming messenger ribonucleoprotein particles of highly dynamic composition. RBPs constitute a class of trans-acting regulatory proteins with affinity for certain consensus elements present in mRNA molecules. However, these regulators are subjected to post-translational modifications (PTMs) that constantly adjust their activity to maintain cell homeostasis. PTMs can dramatically change the subcellular localization, the binding affinity for RNA and protein partners, and the turnover rate of RBPs. Moreover, the ability of many RBPs to undergo phase transition and/or their recruitment to previously formed membrane-less organelles, such as stress granules, is also regulated by specific PTMs. Interestingly, the dysregulation of PTMs in RBPs has been associated with the pathophysiology of many different diseases. Abnormal PTM patterns can lead to the distortion of the physiological role of RBPs due to mislocalization, loss or gain of function, and/or accelerated or disrupted degradation. This Mini Review offers a broad overview of the post-translational regulation of selected RBPs and the involvement of their dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Velázquez-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Blanca Baños-Jaime
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Díaz-Quintana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A De la Rosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Díaz-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de la Cartuja, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
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22
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Zbinden A, Pérez-Berlanga M, De Rossi P, Polymenidou M. Phase Separation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Disturbance in the Force. Dev Cell 2021; 55:45-68. [PMID: 33049211 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is the main hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Many proteins found in pathological inclusions are known to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation, a reversible process of molecular self-assembly. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that aberrant phase separation behavior may serve as a trigger of protein aggregation in neurodegeneration, and efforts to understand and control the underlying mechanisms are underway. Here, we review similarities and differences among four main proteins, α-synuclein, FUS, tau, and TDP-43, which are found aggregated in different diseases and were independently shown to phase separate. We discuss future directions in the field that will help shed light on the molecular mechanisms of aggregation and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Zbinden
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Pérez-Berlanga
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre De Rossi
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Magdalini Polymenidou
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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Etibor TA, Yamauchi Y, Amorim MJ. Liquid Biomolecular Condensates and Viral Lifecycles: Review and Perspectives. Viruses 2021; 13:366. [PMID: 33669141 PMCID: PMC7996568 DOI: 10.3390/v13030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are highly dependent on the host they infect. Their dependence triggers processes of virus-host co-adaptation, enabling viruses to explore host resources whilst escaping immunity. Scientists have tackled viral-host interplay at differing levels of complexity-in individual hosts, organs, tissues and cells-and seminal studies advanced our understanding about viral lifecycles, intra- or inter-species transmission, and means to control infections. Recently, it emerged as important to address the physical properties of the materials in biological systems; membrane-bound organelles are only one of many ways to separate molecules from the cellular milieu. By achieving a type of compartmentalization lacking membranes known as biomolecular condensates, biological systems developed alternative mechanisms of controlling reactions. The identification that many biological condensates display liquid properties led to the proposal that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) drives their formation. The concept of LLPS is a paradigm shift in cellular structure and organization. There is an unprecedented momentum to revisit long-standing questions in virology and to explore novel antiviral strategies. In the first part of this review, we focus on the state-of-the-art about biomolecular condensates. In the second part, we capture what is known about RNA virus-phase biology and discuss future perspectives of this emerging field in virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Akhigbe Etibor
- Cell Biology of Viral Infection Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Yohei Yamauchi
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK;
| | - Maria João Amorim
- Cell Biology of Viral Infection Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal;
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24
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Enukashvily NI, Dobrynin MA, Chubar AV. RNA-seeded membraneless bodies: Role of tandemly repeated RNA. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 126:151-193. [PMID: 34090614 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles (bodies, granules, etc.) are spatially distinct sub-nuclear and cytoplasmic foci involved in all the processes in a living cell, such as development, cell death, carcinogenesis, proliferation, and differentiation. Today the list of the membraneless organelles includes a wide spectrum of intranuclear and cytoplasmic bodies. Proteins with intrinsically disordered regions are the key players in the membraneless body assembly. However, recent data assume an important role of RNA molecules in the process of the liquid-liquid phase separation. High-level expression of RNA above a critical concentration threshold is mandatory to nucleate interactions with specific proteins and for seeding membraneless organelles. RNA components are considered by many authors as the principal determinants of organelle identity. Tandemly repeated (TR) DNA of big satellites (a TR family that includes centromeric and pericentromeric DNA sequences) was believed to be transcriptionally silent for a long period. Now we know about the TR transcription upregulation during gameto- and embryogenesis, carcinogenesis, stress response. In the review, we summarize the recent data about the involvement of TR RNA in the formation of nuclear membraneless granules, bodies, etc., with different functions being in some cases an initiator of the structures assembly. These RNP structures sequestrate and inactivate different proteins and transcripts. The TR induced sequestration is one of the key principles of nuclear architecture and genome functioning. Studying the role of the TR-based membraneless organelles in stress and disease will bring some new ideas for translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natella I Enukashvily
- Institute of Cytology RAS, St. Petersburg, Russia; North-Western Medical State University named after I.I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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25
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Jia TZ, Wang PH, Niwa T, Mamajanov I. Connecting primitive phase separation to biotechnology, synthetic biology, and engineering. J Biosci 2021; 46:79. [PMID: 34373367 PMCID: PMC8342986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One aspect of the study of the origins of life focuses on how primitive chemistries assembled into the first cells on Earth and how these primitive cells evolved into modern cells. Membraneless droplets generated from liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are one potential primitive cell-like compartment; current research in origins of life includes study of the structure, function, and evolution of such systems. However, the goal of primitive LLPS research is not simply curiosity or striving to understand one of life's biggest unanswered questions, but also the possibility to discover functions or structures useful for application in the modern day. Many applicational fields, including biotechnology, synthetic biology, and engineering, utilize similar phaseseparated structures to accomplish specific functions afforded by LLPS. Here, we briefly review LLPS applied to primitive compartment research and then present some examples of LLPS applied to biomolecule purification, drug delivery, artificial cell construction, waste and pollution management, and flavor encapsulation. Due to a significant focus on similar functions and structures, there appears to be much for origins of life researchers to learn from those working on LLPS in applicational fields, and vice versa, and we hope that such researchers can start meaningful cross-disciplinary collaborations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Z Jia
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550 Japan
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 1001 4th Ave., Suite 3201, Seattle, Washington 98154 USA
| | - Po-Hsiang Wang
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550 Japan
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Central University, Zhongli Dist, 300 Zhongda Rd, Taoyuan City, 32001 Taiwan
| | - Tatsuya Niwa
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuta-cho 4259, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503 Japan
| | - Irena Mamajanov
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550 Japan
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26
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Salladini E, Jørgensen MLM, Theisen FF, Skriver K. Intrinsic Disorder in Plant Transcription Factor Systems: Functional Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9755. [PMID: 33371315 PMCID: PMC7767404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are complex biological systems that depend on highly connected molecular interaction networks with intrinsically disordered proteins as essential components. Through specific examples, we relate the conformational ensemble nature of intrinsic disorder (ID) in transcription factors to functions in plants. Transcription factors contain large regulatory ID-regions with numerous orphan sequence motifs, representing potential important interaction sites. ID-regions may affect DNA-binding through electrostatic interactions or allosterically as for the bZIP transcription factors, in which the DNA-binding domains also populate ensembles of dynamic transient structures. The flexibility of ID is well-suited for interaction networks requiring efficient molecular adjustments. For example, Radical Induced Cell Death1 depends on ID in transcription factors for its numerous, structurally heterogeneous interactions, and the JAZ:MYC:MED15 regulatory unit depends on protein dynamics, including binding-associated unfolding, for regulation of jasmonate-signaling. Flexibility makes ID-regions excellent targets of posttranslational modifications. For example, the extent of phosphorylation of the NAC transcription factor SOG1 regulates target gene expression and the DNA-damage response, and phosphorylation of the AP2/ERF transcription factor DREB2A acts as a switch enabling heat-regulated degradation. ID-related phase separation is emerging as being important to transcriptional regulation with condensates functioning in storage and inactivation of transcription factors. The applicative potential of ID-regions is apparent, as removal of an ID-region of the AP2/ERF transcription factor WRI1 affects its stability and consequently oil biosynthesis. The highlighted examples show that ID plays essential functional roles in plant biology and has a promising potential in engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karen Skriver
- REPIN and the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (E.S.); (M.L.M.J.); (F.F.T.)
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27
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Muthunayake NS, Tomares DT, Childers WS, Schrader JM. Phase-separated bacterial ribonucleoprotein bodies organize mRNA decay. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2020; 11:e1599. [PMID: 32445438 PMCID: PMC7554086 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In bacteria, mRNA decay is controlled by megadalton scale macromolecular assemblies called, "RNA degradosomes," composed of nucleases and other RNA decay associated proteins. Recent advances in bacterial cell biology have shown that RNA degradosomes can assemble into phase-separated structures, termed bacterial ribonucleoprotein bodies (BR-bodies), with many analogous properties to eukaryotic processing bodies and stress granules. This review will highlight the functional role that BR-bodies play in the mRNA decay process through its organization into a membraneless organelle in the bacterial cytoplasm. This review will also highlight the phylogenetic distribution of BR-bodies across bacterial species, which suggests that these phase-separated structures are broadly distributed across bacteria, and in evolutionarily related mitochondria and chloroplasts. This article is categorized under: RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dylan T Tomares
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - W Seth Childers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jared M Schrader
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Pessina F, Gioia U, Brandi O, Farina S, Ceccon M, Francia S, d'Adda di Fagagna F. DNA Damage Triggers a New Phase in Neurodegeneration. Trends Genet 2020; 37:337-354. [PMID: 33020022 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Subcellular compartmentalization contributes to the organization of a plethora of molecular events occurring within cells. This can be achieved in membraneless organelles generated through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a demixing process that separates and concentrates cellular reactions. RNA is often a critical factor in mediating LLPS. Recent evidence indicates that DNA damage response foci are membraneless structures formed via LLPS and modulated by noncoding transcripts synthesized at DNA damage sites. Neurodegeneration is often associated with DNA damage, and dysfunctional LLPS events can lead to the formation of toxic aggregates. In this review, we discuss those gene products involved in neurodegeneration that undergo LLPS and their involvement in the DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Pessina
- IFOM Foundation - FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Gioia
- IFOM Foundation - FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Ornella Brandi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare 'Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza' CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Farina
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare 'Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza' CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 27100 Pavia, Italy; University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Ceccon
- IFOM Foundation - FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Sofia Francia
- IFOM Foundation - FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139 Milan, Italy; Istituto di Genetica Molecolare 'Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza' CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM Foundation - FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139 Milan, Italy; Istituto di Genetica Molecolare 'Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza' CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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29
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Li Q, Wang X, Dou Z, Yang W, Huang B, Lou J, Zhang Z. Protein Databases Related to Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6796. [PMID: 32947964 PMCID: PMC7555049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules, which underlies the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs) or biomolecular condensates, has been investigated intensively in recent years. It contributes to the regulation of various physiological processes and related disease development. A rapidly increasing number of studies have recently focused on the biological functions, driving, and regulating mechanisms of LLPS in cells. Based on the mounting data generated in the investigations, six databases (LLPSDB, PhaSePro, PhaSepDB, DrLLPS, RNAgranuleDB, HUMAN CELL MAP) have been developed, which are designed directly based on LLPS studies or the component identification of MLOs. These resources are invaluable for a deeper understanding of the cellular function of biomolecular phase separation, as well as the development of phase-separating protein prediction and design. In this review, we compare the data contents, annotations, and organization of these databases, highlight their unique features, overlaps, and fundamental differences, and discuss their suitable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Xi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhihui Dou
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Weishan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Beifang Huang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jizhong Lou
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhuqing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; (Q.L.); (X.W.); (Z.D.); (W.Y.); (B.H.); (J.L.)
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30
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Deng NN. Complex coacervates as artificial membraneless organelles and protocells. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:051301. [PMID: 32922586 PMCID: PMC7470879 DOI: 10.1063/5.0023678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervates are water droplets dispersed in water, which are formed by spontaneous liquid-liquid phase separation of an aqueous solution of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Similar to the membraneless organelles that exist in biological cells, complex coacervate droplets are membraneless and have a myriad of features including easy formation, high viscosity, selective encapsulation of biomolecules, and dynamic behaviors in response to environmental stimuli, which make coacervates an excellent option for constructing artificial membraneless organelles. In this article, I first summarize recent advances in artificial compartments that are built from coacervates and their response to changes in the surrounding environment and then show the advantages of microfluidic techniques in the preparation of monodisperse coacervates and encapsulation of coacervates in droplets and liposomes to construct complex cell-like compartments, and finally discuss the future challenges of such membraneless aqueous compartments in cell mimics and origin of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Nan Deng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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31
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Irastortza-Olaziregi M, Amster-Choder O. RNA localization in prokaryotes: Where, when, how, and why. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1615. [PMID: 32851805 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Only recently has it been recognized that the transcriptome of bacteria and archaea can be spatiotemporally regulated. All types of prokaryotic transcripts-rRNAs, tRNAs, mRNAs, and regulatory RNAs-may acquire specific localization and these patterns can be temporally regulated. In some cases bacterial RNAs reside in the vicinity of the transcription site, but in many others, transcripts show distinct localizations to the cytoplasm, the inner membrane, or the pole of rod-shaped species. This localization, which often overlaps with that of the encoded proteins, can be achieved either in a translation-dependent or translation-independent fashion. The latter implies that RNAs carry sequence-level features that determine their final localization with the aid of RNA-targeting factors. Localization of transcripts regulates their posttranscriptional fate by affecting their degradation and processing, translation efficiency, sRNA-mediated regulation, and/or propensity to undergo RNA modifications. By facilitating complex assembly and liquid-liquid phase separation, RNA localization is not only a consequence but also a driver of subcellular spatiotemporal complexity. We foresee that in the coming years the study of RNA localization in prokaryotes will produce important novel insights regarding the fundamental understanding of membrane-less subcellular organization and lead to practical outputs with biotechnological and therapeutic implications. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Irastortza-Olaziregi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orna Amster-Choder
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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32
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Hasenson SE, Shav‐Tal Y. Speculating on the Roles of Nuclear Speckles: How RNA‐Protein Nuclear Assemblies Affect Gene Expression. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000104. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Hasenson
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Bar‐Ilan University Ramat Gan 4481400 Israel
| | - Yaron Shav‐Tal
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Bar‐Ilan University Ramat Gan 4481400 Israel
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33
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Li Q, Peng X, Li Y, Tang W, Zhu J, Huang J, Qi Y, Zhang Z. LLPSDB: a database of proteins undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation in vitro. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:D320-D327. [PMID: 31906602 PMCID: PMC6943074 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) leads to a conversion of homogeneous solution into a dense phase that often resembles liquid droplets, and a dilute phase. An increasing number of investigations have shown that biomolecular condensates formed by LLPS play important roles in both physiology and pathology. It has been suggested the phase behavior of proteins would be not only determined by sequences, but controlled by micro-environmental conditions. Here, we introduce LLPSDB (http://bio-comp.ucas.ac.cn/llpsdb or http://bio-comp.org.cn/llpsdb), a web-accessible database providing comprehensive, carefully curated collection of proteins involved in LLPS as well as corresponding experimental conditions in vitro from published literatures. The current release of LLPSDB incorporates 1182 entries with 273 independent proteins and 2394 specific conditions. The database provides a variety of data including biomolecular information (protein sequence, protein modification, nucleic acid, etc.), specific phase separation information (experimental conditions, phase behavior description, etc.) and comprehensive annotations. To our knowledge, LLPSDB is the first available database designed for LLPS related proteins specifically. It offers plenty of valuable resources for exploring the relationship between protein sequence and phase behavior, and will enhance the development of phase separation prediction methods, which may further provide more insights into a comprehensive understanding of LLPS in cellular function and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaojun Peng
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuanqing Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenqin Tang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia'an Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Huang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yifei Qi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Zhuqing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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34
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Reed EH, Schuster BS, Good MC, Hammer DA. SPLIT: Stable Protein Coacervation Using a Light Induced Transition. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:500-507. [PMID: 32078766 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein coacervates serve as hubs to concentrate and sequester proteins and nucleotides and thus function as membraneless organelles to manipulate cell physiology. We have engineered a coacervating protein to create tunable, synthetic membraneless organelles that assemble in response to a single pulse of light. Coacervation is driven by the intrinsically disordered RGG domain from the protein LAF-1, and opto-responsiveness is coded by the protein PhoCl, which cleaves in response to 405 nm light. We developed a fusion protein containing a solubilizing maltose-binding protein domain, PhoCl, and two copies of the RGG domain. Several seconds of illumination at 405 nm is sufficient to cleave PhoCl, removing the solubilization domain and enabling RGG-driven coacervation within minutes in cellular-sized water-in-oil emulsions. An optimized version of this system displayed light-induced coacervation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The methods described here provide novel strategies for inducing protein phase separation using light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen H. Reed
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Benjamin S. Schuster
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Matthew C. Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daniel A. Hammer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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35
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Akkipeddi SMK, Velleca AJ, Carone DM. Probing the function of long noncoding RNAs in the nucleus. Chromosome Res 2020; 28:87-110. [PMID: 32026224 PMCID: PMC7131881 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-019-09625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus is a highly organized and dynamic environment where regulation and coordination of processes such as gene expression and DNA replication are paramount. In recent years, noncoding RNAs have emerged as key participants in the regulation of nuclear processes. There are a multitude of functional roles for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), mediated through their ability to act as molecular scaffolds bridging interactions with proteins, chromatin, and other RNA molecules within the nuclear environment. In this review, we discuss the diversity of techniques that have been developed to probe the function of nuclear lncRNAs, along with the ways in which those techniques have revealed insights into their mechanisms of action. Foundational observations into lncRNA function have been gleaned from molecular cytology-based, single-cell approaches to illuminate both the localization and abundance of lncRNAs in addition to their potential binding partners. Biochemical, extraction-based approaches have revealed the molecular contacts between lncRNAs and other molecules within the nuclear environment and how those interactions may contribute to nuclear organization and regulation. Using examples of well-studied nuclear lncRNAs, we demonstrate that the emerging functions of individual lncRNAs have been most clearly deduced from combined cytology and biochemical approaches tailored to study specific lncRNAs. As more functional nuclear lncRNAs continue to emerge, the development of additional technologies to study their interactions and mechanisms of action promise to continually expand our understanding of nuclear organization, chromosome architecture, genome regulation, and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony J Velleca
- Department of Molecular Phamacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dawn M Carone
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, USA.
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36
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Lathe R, Darlix JL. Prion protein PrP nucleic acid binding and mobilization implicates retroelements as the replicative component of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Arch Virol 2020; 165:535-556. [PMID: 32025859 PMCID: PMC7024060 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04529-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The existence of more than 30 strains of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and the paucity of infectivity of purified PrPSc, as well as considerations of PrP structure, are inconsistent with the protein-only (prion) theory of TSE. Nucleic acid is a strong contender as a second component. We juxtapose two key findings: (i) PrP is a nucleic-acid-binding antimicrobial protein that is similar to retroviral Gag proteins in its ability to trigger reverse transcription. (ii) Retroelement mobilization is widely seen in TSE disease. Given further evidence that PrP also mediates nucleic acid transport into and out of the cell, a strong case is to be made that a second element – retroelement nucleic acid – bound to PrP constitutes the second component necessary to explain the multiple strains of TSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh School of Medicine, Edinburgh, UK. .,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow, Moscow Region, Russia.
| | - Jean-Luc Darlix
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Laboratory of Bioimaging and Pathologies (Unité Mixte de Recherche 7021), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
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37
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Kilchert C, Sträßer K, Kunetsky V, Änkö ML. From parts lists to functional significance-RNA-protein interactions in gene regulation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1582. [PMID: 31883228 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of canonical RNA binding proteins facilitate diverse and essential RNA processing steps in cells forming a central regulatory point in gene expression. However, recent discoveries including the identification of a large number of noncanonical proteins bound to RNA have changed our view on RNA-protein interactions merely as necessary steps in RNA biogenesis. As the list of proteins interacting with RNA has expanded, so has the scope of regulation through RNA-protein interactions. In addition to facilitating RNA metabolism, RNA binding proteins help to form subcellular structures and membraneless organelles, and provide means to recruit components of macromolecular complexes to their sites of action. Moreover, RNA-protein interactions are not static in cells but the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are highly dynamic in response to cellular cues. The identification of novel proteins in complex with RNA and ways cells use these interactions to control cellular functions continues to broaden the scope of RNA regulation in cells and the current challenge is to move from cataloguing the components of RNPs into assigning them functions. This will not only facilitate our understanding of cellular homeostasis but may bring in key insights into human disease conditions where RNP components play a central role. This review brings together the classical view of regulation accomplished through RNA-protein interactions with the novel insights gained from the identification of RNA binding interactomes. We discuss the challenges in combining molecular mechanism with cellular functions on the journey towards a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory functions of RNA-protein interactions in cells. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications aRNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Kilchert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Sträßer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vladislav Kunetsky
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Minna-Liisa Änkö
- Centre for Reproductive Health and Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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38
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Söding J, Zwicker D, Sohrabi-Jahromi S, Boehning M, Kirschbaum J. Mechanisms for Active Regulation of Biomolecular Condensates. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 30:4-14. [PMID: 31753533 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a key organizational principle in eukaryotic cells, on par with intracellular membranes. It allows cells to concentrate specific proteins into condensates, increasing reaction rates and achieving switch-like regulation. We propose two active mechanisms that can explain how cells regulate condensate formation and size. In both, the cell regulates the activity of an enzyme, often a kinase, that adds post-translational modifications to condensate proteins. In enrichment inhibition, the enzyme enriches in the condensate and weakens interactions, as seen in stress granules (SGs), Cajal bodies, and P granules. In localization-induction, condensates form around immobilized enzymes that strengthen interactions, as observed in DNA repair, transmembrane signaling, and microtubule assembly. These models can guide studies into the many emerging roles of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Söding
- Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - David Zwicker
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Fassberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Salma Sohrabi-Jahromi
- Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marc Boehning
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan Kirschbaum
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Fassberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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39
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Owen I, Shewmaker F. The Role of Post-Translational Modifications in the Phase Transitions of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215501. [PMID: 31694155 PMCID: PMC6861982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in genomics and proteomics have revealed eukaryotic proteomes to be highly abundant in intrinsically disordered proteins that are susceptible to diverse post-translational modifications. Intrinsically disordered regions are critical to the liquid-liquid phase separation that facilitates specialized cellular functions. Here, we discuss how post-translational modifications of intrinsically disordered protein segments can regulate the molecular condensation of macromolecules into functional phase-separated complexes.
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40
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The Control Centers of Biomolecular Phase Separation: How Membrane Surfaces, PTMs, and Active Processes Regulate Condensation. Mol Cell 2019; 76:295-305. [PMID: 31604601 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensation is emerging as an essential process for cellular compartmentalization. The formation of biomolecular condensates can be driven by liquid-liquid phase separation, which arises from weak, multivalent interactions among proteins and nucleic acids. A substantial body of recent work has revealed that diverse cellular processes rely on biomolecular condensation and that aberrant phase separation may cause disease. Many proteins display an intrinsic propensity to undergo phase separation. However, the mechanisms by which cells regulate phase separation to build functional condensates at the appropriate time and location are only beginning to be understood. Here, we review three key cellular mechanisms that enable the control of biomolecular phase separation: membrane surfaces, post-translational modifications, and active processes. We discuss how these mechanisms may function in concert to provide robust control over biomolecular condensates and suggest new research avenues that will elucidate how cells build and maintain these key centers of cellular compartmentalization.
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41
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Supramolecular Fuzziness of Intracellular Liquid Droplets: Liquid-Liquid Phase Transitions, Membrane-Less Organelles, and Intrinsic Disorder. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24183265. [PMID: 31500307 PMCID: PMC6767272 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24183265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are inhomogeneously crowded, possessing a wide range of intracellular liquid droplets abundantly present in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic and bacterial cells, in the mitochondrial matrix and nucleoplasm of eukaryotes, and in the chloroplast’s stroma of plant cells. These proteinaceous membrane-less organelles (PMLOs) not only represent a natural method of intracellular compartmentalization, which is crucial for successful execution of various biological functions, but also serve as important means for the processing of local information and rapid response to the fluctuations in environmental conditions. Since PMLOs, being complex macromolecular assemblages, possess many characteristic features of liquids, they represent highly dynamic (or fuzzy) protein–protein and/or protein–nucleic acid complexes. The biogenesis of PMLOs is controlled by specific intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and hybrid proteins with ordered domains and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs), which, due to their highly dynamic structures and ability to facilitate multivalent interactions, serve as indispensable drivers of the biological liquid–liquid phase transitions (LLPTs) giving rise to PMLOs. In this article, the importance of the disorder-based supramolecular fuzziness for LLPTs and PMLO biogenesis is discussed.
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42
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Higashi SL, Shibata A, Kitamura Y, Hirosawa KM, Suzuki KGN, Matsuura K, Ikeda M. Hybrid Soft Nanomaterials Composed of DNA Microspheres and Supramolecular Nanostructures of Semi-artificial Glycopeptides. Chemistry 2019; 25:11955-11962. [PMID: 31268200 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201902421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous hybrid soft nanomaterials consisting of plural supramolecular architectures with a high degree of segregation (orthogonal coexistence) and precise hierarchy at the nano- and microscales, which are reminiscent of complex biomolecular systems, have attracted increasing attention. Remarkable progress has been witnessed in the construction of DNA nanostructures obtained by rational sequence design and supramolecular nanostructures of peptide derivatives through self-assembly under aqueous conditions. However, orthogonal self-assembly of DNA nanostructures and supramolecular nanostructures of peptide derivatives in a single medium has not yet been explored in detail. In this study, DNA microspheres, which can be obtained from three single-stranded DNAs, and three different supramolecular nanostructures (helical nanofibers, straight nanoribbons, and flowerlike microaggregates) of semi-artificial glycopeptides were simultaneously constructed in a single medium by a simple thermal annealing process, which gives rise to hybrid soft nanomaterials. Fluorescence imaging with selective staining of each supramolecular nanostructure uncovered the orthogonal coexistence of these structures with only marginal impact on their morphology. Additionally, the biostimuli-responsive degradation propensity of each supramolecular architecture is retained, and this may allow the construction of active soft nanomaterials exhibiting intelligent biofunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri L Higashi
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Aya Shibata
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kitamura
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Koichiro M Hirosawa
- Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences (G-CHAIN), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kenichi G N Suzuki
- Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences (G-CHAIN), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan.,Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan
| | - Masato Ikeda
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences (G-CHAIN), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
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43
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Walter NG. Biological Pathway Specificity in the Cell-Does Molecular Diversity Matter? Bioessays 2019; 41:e1800244. [PMID: 31245864 PMCID: PMC6684156 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Biology arises from the crowded molecular environment of the cell, rendering it a challenge to understand biological pathways based on the reductionist, low-concentration in vitro conditions generally employed for mechanistic studies. Recent evidence suggests that low-affinity interactions between cellular biopolymers abound, with still poorly defined effects on the complex interaction networks that lead to the emergent properties and plasticity of life. Mass-action considerations are used here to underscore that the sheer number of weak interactions expected from the complex mixture of cellular components significantly shapes biological pathway specificity. In particular, on-pathway-i.e., "functional"-become those interactions thermodynamically and kinetically stable enough to survive the incessant onslaught of the many off-pathway ("nonfunctional") interactions. Consequently, to better understand the molecular biology of the cell a further paradigm shift is needed toward mechanistic experimental and computational approaches that probe intracellular diversity and complexity more directly. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/T19X_zYaBzg.
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44
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Pirogov SA, Gvozdev VA, Klenov MS. Long Noncoding RNAs and Stress Response in the Nucleolus. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070668. [PMID: 31269716 PMCID: PMC6678565 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform diverse functions in the regulation of cellular processes. Here we consider a variety of lncRNAs found in the ribosome production center, the nucleolus, and focus on their role in the response to environmental stressors. Nucleolar lncRNAs ensure stress adaptation by cessation of resource-intensive ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and by inducing the massive sequestration of proteins within the nucleolus. Different cell states like quiescence and cancer are also controlled by specific lncRNAs in the nucleolus. Taken together, recent findings allow us to consider lncRNAs as multifunctional regulators of nucleolar activities, which are responsive to various physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A Pirogov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Kurchatov Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Gvozdev
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Kurchatov Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Mikhail S Klenov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Kurchatov Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia.
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